Christian Carl Elkjer was born April 13, 1890, at Pennock, Minnesota, to John P. and Anna Lisa Elkjer. His youth was spent at the same location and later he attended the seminary in Willmar, Minnesota. He worked for the Great Northern Railway at Willmar and at the creamery in Pennock in his youth. On July 1, 1914, he was united in marriage to Mabel Augusta Dahl at Murdock, Minnesota, and the couple began their lives together at Webster, South Dakota, where he served as an assistant postmaster. Five children were born to this union: Louise (Mrs. Lyndon Lofdahl) of Clarkfield, Charles of Londrina, Brazil, Margy (Mrs. Don Nelson) of Clarkfield, Stanley of San Rafael, California, and Robert, who preceded him in death. In 1917, he began his banking career at Centerville, South Dakota, and later worked at Ihlen, Minnesota. In 1923, he moved to Montevideo where he served in banking work and reached the positition of president. On February 22, 1934, the family moved to Clarkfield, where he assumed the presidency of the Farmers and Merchants State Bank, a position he held until his retirement last February, after completing 50 years in that service. He was always progressive and interested in community affairs. He was a faithful member of the Clarkfield Alliance Church and held offices there and in other churches to which he had belonged. Prior to WWI, he served in the National Guard of South Dakota. In Montevideo he was a member of the school board, the Chippewa county fair board, Kiwanis Club, Civic group and Boy Scout Commissioner. In Clarkfield, he served as mayor, president of the Civic and Commerce for ten years, chairman of the Hospital Board, War Bond Drives, Red Cross Board and a charter member of the Lions' Club. Mr. Elkjer died on December 11, 1967, at the age of 77 years. He is survived by his four children; twelve grandchildren; one great grandchild; two brothers: Holger of Sioux Falls, South Dakota, and Edward of Willmar; and two sisters: Agnes and Olga of Montevideo. Beside his son and wife, Mabel, he was preceded in death by brothers: Erick and William of Willmar and a sister, Thora. IN MEMORY OF CHRISTIAN CARL ELKJER Born April 13, 1890 ~ Passed away December 11, 1967 Funeral Services Friday, December 15, 1967, 2:00 p.m. Clarkfield Lutheran Church, Clarkfield, Minnesota Officiatiing, Rev. Philip Sorensen Organist, Mrs. Ronald Donner Vocal Solo, Mrs. Philip Sorensen Vocal Music Mrs. Philip Sorensen Mrs. Glen Levno Mrs. Alvin Mathias Honorary Casket Bearers George M. Gehant ~ James E. Paulsen John Lynner ~ W. J. Strate Oscar Olson ~ Dr. Suad Niazi Casket Bearers Marc Lofdahl ~ Steven Nelson Chris Nelson ~ Wayne Olson James Elkjer ~ David Satre Final Resting Place Clarkfield City Cemetery Clarkfield, Minnesota Arrangements by Lynner Funeral Home Since 1891 Clarkfield Minnesota